Pierce County Superior Court Judge Thomas Felnagle released Christopher J. Stewart of Gig Harbor on his personal recognizance pending the resolution of his case.

Stewart is charged with two counts of vehicular assault and one count of being a minor in possession of alcohol.

Prosecutors contend he was behind the wheel of a 2005 Subaru that hit a man and a woman who were out for a walk along Five Mile Drive on May 15. Both were hospitalized with serious injuries that required surgery.

Witnesses told police that it appeared Stewart lost control of the Subaru while trying to pass two other cars at about 70 mph, according to court records.

Stewart, who remained at the scene after the wreck, told police he’d been drinking and smoking marijuana before the crash, the records state.

He’s to appear in court for a pretrial hearing Sept. 18.

The collision prompted police to step up traffic patrols in the popular park, and parks officials plan speed-reduction measures along Five Mile Drive.

Adam Lynn: 253-597-8644